Looking for the best dispersed camping near Monument Valley? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Monument Valley's most popular destinations.
Lots of sites, all free, primitive. GREAT views of the Mexican Hat geological features. Good for 2wd cars.
The beautiful Cedar Mesa sandstone monoliths, pinnacles and other geological features of this enchanting area are known as a Miniature Monument Valley. These sandstone sentinels were eroded by wind and water over eons of time. The 17 mile loop through the Valley of the Gods is a graded gravel and clay surface road (San Juan County Road #242), that has a few sharp turns, and crosses several washes. Driving time is approximately one to two hours. It is suitable for passenger cars when the road conditions are dry. However, road conditions vary throughout the year with regional weather conditions. Local inquiry should be made during and after periods of inclement weather. There are several car camps along this route. However, no campfires are allowed.
Looking for a retreat from the hustle of daily life - where the stars are bright, the air is clear, and the only noise is a nearby owl hooting into the night? BLM Utah provides outstanding camping opportunities for every comfort-level. From remote, backcountry camping to front-country developed sites, you will find the perfect campsite on BLM Utah-managed lands. BLM camping areas provide differing levels of services - plan ahead and be prepared, bring water, and the appropriate means to deal with your trash and human/dog waste.
Free dispersed, also known as primitive, camping is allowed at the Monticello Field Office, Manti-La Sal National Forest, and Bears Ears National Monument except where posted. Any in-canyon camping on Cedar Mesa requires a permit, available at recreation.gov. For dispersed camping, remember the following regulations: • There is a 14-day camping limit while occupying any campsite on BLM-managed lands. • Only travel on designated routes. Off-road driving is not permitted. • The best campsites are found, not made. Do not create new campsites or alter existing ones. • Use existing fire rings or use a fire pan. Collect only dead and down wood; do not cut limbs. • Don’t leave fires unattended. Remember to drown and stir campfires before you go to bed or leave your site. • Be aware of any current fire restrictions. • No dispersed camping in the vicinity of developed recreation sites such as picnic areas, campgrounds, or trailheads. • Find an even site to camp on without trenching, digging, leveling, or trimming tree limbs to fit your tent or trailer. • Be courteous of other campers. • Pack it in, pack it out, including human waste.
Car camping on top of Cedar Mesa and in many of the surrounding areas is a great way to experience the high desert. Cedar Mesa has plenty of primitive, dispersed campsites. No fee is required to park and camp along dirt roads managed by the Bureau of Land Management on Cedar Mesa, Comb Wash, Arch Canyon, or in Butler Wash. There is a 14-day limit at all campgrounds and at dispersed camping sites. Camping is only allowed in well-established campsites.
No new campsites may be created. Visitors must practice Leave No Trace techniques and Visit with Respect. All trash (including toilet paper) must be packed out. Human waste must be packed out or buried six to eight inches deep, 200 feet from all water sources. Bring all the water you will need for your trip. Outside of seasonal and local fire restrictions, campfires are allowed but must be contained in a metal fire pan. Camping inside the canyons of Cedar Mesa requires a backpacking permit. For visitors hoping for more camping comforts, campgrounds at Goosenecks State Park, Natural Bridges National Monument, and on US Forest Service land generally have pit toilets, tables, and fire rings. Private campgrounds may be available in surrounding towns.
Scout
River views in the morning are so pretty. Roads a bit rocky comin in, we didnt have any problems in our subaru crosstreck but could be tough if the geound gets muddy.
Scout
Be prepared for no water unless there has been recent rains, and even then there likely won't be any.
It can get windy, so be ready for that, and you'll need to bring your own firewood as well. It's beautiful but there aren't any amenities beyond (maybe) a fire pit.
I'd argue there are better spots on Cedar Mesa itself, but the Valley of the Gods is a beautiful alternative to the more famous Monument Valley.
Both Natural Bridges and Hovenweap are worth the short (an hour at most) drives from camp, and both have developed campgrounds for those looking for toilets or other aspects of civilization.
Traveler
Never in my life have I heard of Mexican Hat, let alone the rock it’s named after. Jeez this place was cool, the river was beautiful, the dispersed camping areas were great under the stars, and that dang Mexican Hat Rock juxtaposed to the unforgiving sea of desert just put a huge smile on my face.
Guide
Very easy to drive on road, we took a 2WD car and had no issues. Plenty of spots so you’ll always find a place to camp for the night.
Great views at every spot and barely any road noise from the highway. Good AT&T coverage.
No fires allowed here so keep that in mind
Guide
You need clearance to be able to enter this spot, there’s a large rut which stopped us from getting into the spot, we had to turn around - so only attempt to come here if you have a 4x4 or a vehicle with clearance
GuideSo beautiful. Plenty of dispersed sites. Even on a Friday at 5pm! Sacred. Revenant. Be respectful of this beautiful land!
ScoutNot free anymore but still an enjoyable experience. I was the only camper there on a weekday.
ScoutI arrived here late afternoon, big sign in the beginning- pay online under www.mexicanhatrocks.com - it’s 18$ per night for just a place to park- no toilets. . No reception with T-mobile to pay online. Went to gooseneck state park campground instead, only 10$ per night and they have toilets.
ScoutNice secluded place. Was very quiet with no one around. Went in July, only complaint is it was hot with almost no shade.
TravelerRoad entrance only with high clearance vehicles- for our expedition truck the road further down was narrow and very rocky but doable. At the end there is space to turn and a level place to park. Nice view
GuideThere are spots for RV's and other spots where you need a 4WD. Beautiful setting with many dispersed sites available. It was very hot, but not much you can do about that…
AT&T service was strong.
Ranger
Way up there where it's hard to breathe! Had to do things slowly and deliberately but a beautiful setting. No way to get to Bears Ears National Monument unless I had a 4x4 and I have a Subaru outback. Found a great spot that was completely quiet and perfect for stargazing. No bear issues but no facilities of any kind whatsoever. Go prepare!
Traveler
A big rig friendly place with space for several cars. The road get a little washed out the further you drive in. High clearance and 4x4 recommended especially when it’s raining. Stunning view
TravelerWe stayed 2 nights. Absolutely beautiful and peaceful. The views are amazing. No shade available so bring your own or camp in cooler months. We have a 24 ft. C-class RV and plenty of sites to pick from. Level ground. Site are a good distance apart and we saw one other camp far from us. No problem with the road. No hook ups but fire rings. No place to dump trash but it was very clean. Pack in pack out.
Guide
When we arrived it was howling wind and blowing sand. We worried the side of our van would be nothing but primer in the morning. Fortunately by the morning it was sunny and calm with stunning vistas. The area is exposed with few secluded opportunities. Despite mid week in May, many spots were taken. That said, it was so beautiful we would not hesitate to visit again.
TravelerStayed one night and saw amazing stars in the sky.
TravelerAwesome views
ScoutWe entered Valley of the Gods from the west side, at the bottom of the Moki Dugway. We passed Lee's Ranch, went another mile or so and found a great flat area on the left hand side of the road, with an awesome view of Balanced Rock. We actually drove the entire road the next day and thanked our lucky stars that we parked our trailer where we did. Trying to pull an RV all the way through is definitely not advised.
ScoutEven tho we got caught in some crazy storms and broken glasses sent us home early we had such a good time exploring and will absolutely go back!!
LegendThe scenery is amazing and there are ample places to camp. Very little cell reception. The dirt road is in good shape.
GuideWe found a spot about 3km in from the 163 entrance. Great views. Windy in the afrernoon but dies down around 5pm.
GuideWe could stay here for two nights on our own, probably because the entrance is so rocky that is quite dissuasive for RV or buses. The road after that is quick and easy, amazing views on the river, beautiful starry nights up there
Guide
Was able to find a great spot to stay at right on the rim. There were 3 sites with fire rings no one around when I was there.
GuideA lot of level camping spots the first 5 miles from the Hwy 163 entrance. Great views, very quiet. Only downside was gnats were terrible during my stay!
TravelerA little difficult to find the turn off when arriving at night but a fun bumpy road down to the bluff. Beautiful river view when you awake in the morning. Absolutely no facilities but if you’re equipped, this is a great spot. And free. Last week in April - weather was perfect and almost zero bugs. 4500ft elevation
RangerAmazing canyon road with many camping spurs on left and right. It can get really windy, pelting you with fine red sand & rocks, but stunning and worth it. No Verizon service, No campfires “allowed”.
Legend
This old hwy area is reached from current hwy where a historical sign is for the Hobbs Party. There is a out .4 mile of lumpy slickrock two track before you hit the old hwy surface. A bit to west a two track road is off to the north. Nice camps scattered. This actual camp area is on Utah State lands but BLM is close.
Cell is good, no water, no trash, no toilets. Not recommended for TTs or RVs, best suited to overland types.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Monument Valley, Arizona, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from rugged adventures to peaceful retreats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Monument Valley, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Monument Valley, AZ is Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping with a 5-star rating from 42 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Monument Valley, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 dispersed camping locations near Monument Valley, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
